Police K9 assists in drug bust

SANTA MARIA Rowdi, a K9 with the Santa Maria Police Department, is being credited with locating more than 80 grams of methamphetamine and cocaine in a traffic stop over the weekend in Santa Maria, police said.

At around 9:30 p.m. Jan. 19, an officer observed a white BMW traveling at a high rate of speed headed south on Blosser Road from Donovan Road. As the officer caught up to the vehicle, the suspect, later identified as Gerardo Hernandez Flores, 38, of Santa Maria, ran the red light at Blosser Road and Cook Street. The officer eventually caught up to Mr. Flores and stopped the vehicle near South Western Avenue and Knudson, according to a department news release.

Mr. Flores was evaluated and arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, as well as an outstanding warrant. Mr. Flores was found to be in possession of a small amount of methamphetamine and more than $1,000 cash.

After the drugs were located, Rowdi began an open-air sniff search around the vehicle and alerted to an area beneath the dashboard on the driver’s side of the vehicle. Officers discovered a hidden compartment that contained approximately 135 individual baggies of methamphetamine and cocaine, collectively weighing over 80 grams. The drugs had an estimated street value of $2,300, police said.

Mr. Flores was transported to Santa Barbara County Jail on booked on a variety of charges, including on suspicion of being in possession of drugs for sales, driving under the influence and reckless driving. He is being held on $250,000 bail.